Balloonies 166 2011

Some of the best sights were above the stands, not on them!

166 Issue 1 2011 The Balloon Association

New Sky lanterns and Candle Lanterns Glow in the dark balloons!

New craft and favour boxes We stock Snazaroo Face Paints

New Cake toppers

on

For full product and training information please visit our website:

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i s n ea e t Ar x E g e s n in N ! u i E o a r eh n T O P r a W lloo OW w a N e B N

INFORM

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EDUCATE

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SUPPORT

­Balloonies­No.­166­-­Issue­1­­2011 Published­by­ NABAS­The­Balloon­Association­Ltd Katepwa­House­­Ashfield­Park­Avenue Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire­­HR9­5AX 01989­762204­­­­­­­­­­ Fax:­01989­567676 email:­info@nabas.co.uk www.nabas.co.uk Nabas Committee Ada­Elliott­(Chairman) Jo­Uddin Mark­Saunders Paul­Pearce Philomena­Groome Paul­Bloomer­(co-opted) Peter­Smith­(co-opted) John­Lee­(co-opted) Paul­Widdowson­(co-opted) Secretariat:­Gill­Hinton,­Kate­Walker,­ Elizabeth­Malcolm,­ Hilary­Pulsford­

The Balloon Association

the independent trade association for the party and promotional balloon industry in the UK Design:­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­0121­449­4050 Printed­by:­Callprint­­0121­632­4518­ Front cover: Spring Fair, NEC 2011. Some of the best sights were above the stands!

Qualatex staff created this great decor for their stand in Hall 5.

I have to start by saying a big ‘thank you’ to all those members who visited the NABAS stand at the recent Birmingham NEC Spring Fair.

I really enjoyed meeting so many of you and listening to your comments and suggestions on how best to move our Association forward. You have certainly given the Committee a lot to think about.

There was a really positive feel about the show – not only from existing members who were extremely supportive of our work on environmental issues, but also the level of interest shown by possible new NABAS members. To our surprise and delight several exhibitors within Hall 5 (lantern suppliers, decorative light manufacturers, firework producers) came to the stand to talk about NABAS and future possible membership and links.

We work within a diverse and exciting industry that is continually changing to encompass the new and innovative products and accessories that add value to our sales.

It is essential members are kept informed of new product ranges, and ideas for their use and application.

Again my thanks to all those who took time to visit the NABAS stand, it was nice having an opportunity to put faces to names.

Regards Ada Elliott, Chairman

Right: Kate and mystery man!

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From your Chairman

Dear Members,

NABAS MEMBERs at Spring Fair 2011

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PAMS OF GAINSBOROUGH Carl at Pams tells us: “The Spring Fair was great for Pams, in the first three days we met more customers than the same days at the 2010 Spring Fair. We ran special show offers on a range of wigs and we continue to provide competitive prices on our full range. New lines were shown which received good feedback from the customers. Pams range of retail costumes continues to grow with the addition of more than 50 new designs added, find them on Pams.co.uk. Stocks of all the new lines will be available from mid March.

One big announcement at the show was that Pams now hold stock of Rubies Costumes and accessories; we are able to supply direct to our customers along with their everyday order. With the present climate and the ability to order many supplier’s goods from one main supplier without additional shipping and minimum order charges, our buyers are busy working to make sure stocks are available for next day delivery.

We would like to thank all existing and new customers for calling in on us at the show”.

READY2GO LTD t/a PARTY GENIES Ready2Go launched their Party Genies “wall friendly” adhesive Balloon, Card & Decorations Hangers at this year’s Spring Fair.

Oliver at Ready2Go: “We were inundated with enthusiastic resellers, wholesalers and decorators who were keen to sell, resell and use Party Genies. As a consequence we are having really interesting conversations with a number of well known international party product manufactures and supermarket resellers. We are already about to appear in at least one major retail catalogue.

It helps that we have a really innovative, very appealing product range and that we took full advantage of all the marketing and advertising opportunities on offer from the show organizers Emap but in short the show was a huge success for us and I am delighted that we participated”.

SAUNDERS DISPLAYS UK LTD

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The Balloon Association

Members at the SPRING FAIR NEC 2011 OAKTREE UK LTD Andrew at Oaktree gave us this assessment of the show: “Whilst we continue to hear the general economic climate is still under pressure we found the general feeling of visitors was very upbeat, although show attendance figures seemed slightly lower than last year.

This year’s Spring Fair was the first official event that Oaktree has used to launch its ‘UK made’ foil balloon range. We were very pleased to attract huge support from those involved in the industry. With over 4 years of significant investment and design it is very gratifying to be met with such a positive reaction to the ‘Made in UK’ banner”.

NABAS MEMBERs at Spring Fair 2011

Mark at Saunders Displays tells us: “The Spring Fair was a good show, and we did well - although footfall was spasmodic at times. It was nice to meet NABAS members and put faces to names. We also picked up some good ideas from members that we hope to develop over the coming months”.

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Business Name: Just-so Balloons Owner: John, Kate and Amy Taylor

NABAS MEMBER interview: Just-so Balloons

Location & area covered: Bristol and surrounding area.

What was your career path to where you are today?: Following redundancy we started supplying balloon decorations from home 12 years ago. We undertook a beginners’ training course and the trainer was non other than Chris Horne. Working from home had several drawbacks so we were fortunate to find a shop that was available which we took on and worked from there for 10 years. In May this year we moved to a new shop (used to be a bank) where we have 4 times the space (plus a bank vault downstairs).

Name something in the balloon industry that you most like: It is a sharing, caring and helping industry and it is wonderful that we can all work together for the benefit of all.

Name something in the balloon industry that you least like: The ‘cheap and cheerfuls’ who work from home and supply substandard decorations at stupid prices.

Best thing about your job?: The number of recommendations we receive and the letters of appreciation.

What best describes your business? Balloon decorator? Balloon and costume retailer? Other?

There are three aspects to our business. These are balloon decorations, a balloon retail shop and the supply of chair covers and sashes.

How did you decide on your business name?: We wanted to be just balloons but everyone else had chosen this name. Just-so balloons retained the idea but added a quality to the name.

How do you decide what product to buy in?: In the early days by visiting and talking to competitors, the ‘helping bit’, by talking to suppliers who advised but did not try to sell and mostly by listening to what our customers said they wanted.

What advertising works for you? : We have 3 websites which are our business brochures and we advertise in trade magazines. We work very closely with the venues we supply, and have found that by building up a professional but friendly business relationship business follows. At least 70% of our business comes from referrals and recommendations of the venues we work at.

If you have a website, is it a basic site to inform potential customers of your existence, or do you use it as an online portfolio?: We use our websites as online brochures.

Do you feel your website is working for you?: Absolutely 100%. Underestimate the value and potential of the internet at your peril.

How would you like your business to grow in the next few years?: More of the same please. I can see us undertaking more corporate work.

How is the ‘credit crunch’ affecting you?: We have completely ignored it and concentrated on expanding our business. We have achieved excellent growth figures this year.

Does your business vehicle promote you?: Our vehicle is sign written and acts as a great advert for our business.

What tip would you offer someone new to the business?: I will offer 4 tips.

1. Make sure you do your market reasearch.

2. No matter what make sure you charge realistic prices and do not in any way compromise this.

3. Make sure you learn the skills needed by being trained by a qualified trainer.

4. Take note and act upon all the mary portas, queen of shops, says. She talks great sense and should be compulsory viewing and reading.

Do you have an online presence?: We have 3 sites, one for balloons, one for chaircovers and one for napkins.

How do you relax after a hard day’s work?: Where would the world be without red wine!

Do you show at Wedding Fairs? Other?: Yes we do attend wedding fayres but are very selective as to which we support.

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22nd to 29th May 2011 1

The 15th “National Balloon Week” is taking place from the 22nd to 29th May 2011.

NABAS The Balloon Association Ltd and its members will be championing the balloon and party industry by helping members to organise national and local events that highlight the versatility of applications and market opportunities that balloons can offer.

If you are interested in promoting your business locally, and at the same time increase public awareness of the ‘fun’ value of balloons, then why not join with NABAS in making this week a national success.

Balloons really are big business; millions of balloons are sold in the UK every year and the sector as a whole is thought to be worth in excess of £80 million.

The industry also employs a rapidly growing workforce with the emergence of many new entrepreneurial companies. NABAS – The Balloon Association Ltd, est. 1987, the only independent trade association for the industry actively encourages and supports this annual promotion.

The events of National Balloon Week are designed to draw the public’s attention to the vast array of possibilities that balloons offer for entertainment, fun and business together with the very important charitable promotions that are undertaken throughout the year.

If you are interested in promoting yourself locally then contact NABAS for suggestions and ideas.

After all the negative issues that have surrounded our industry recently it’s time to demonstrate just what a wonderful industry we have.

Inflate balloon leaving 3” (7.5cm) uninflated at end

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3

Grip both ‘ear’ bubbles and twist round, to create the head and ears

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Make a 3” (7.5cm) bubble followed by two 6” (15cm) bubbles (Rabbit’s long ears) Bring the two ’ear’ bubbles round to line up with each other

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Now make two 3” (7.5cm) bubbles to make the front legs

Bring the second ‘front leg’ bubble round to line up with the first, grip both ‘leg’ bubbles and twist round

7 8

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Now make a 4” (10cm) bubble for the body.

Squeeze some air into the uninflated bit and make a round bubble for the tail

Twist the remaining bit between the bubble and the body into two equal bubbles, for the back legs

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Bring the first ‘back leg’ bubble round to line up with the other, grip both ‘leg’ bubbles and twist round

10 Tuck the bunny’s front legs down between its rear ones and you have a sitting rabbit! Don’t forget to add some eyes!

TWISTING BASICS - A Fun Bunny

A time to be proud of our industry!

Spring Fair 2011- a look round hall 5

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THE­AMSCAN­STAND­FEATURED­GIANT,­AND­vERy­ELEGANT,­BALLooN­FLoWERS­AS­THE­MAJoR­FEATURE­oF­THE­DECoR.­ CREATED­WITH­A­MIX­oF­LATEX­AND­FoIL­SHAPES,­THE­RESULTING­DECoR­WAS­DARING,­EXCITING,­INSPIRING.

There was interesting stuff throughout the vast acreage (15 halls) dedicated to retailing in all its forms. Just looking at how different businesses present their wares can be inspiring, and can spark ideas in any number of ways.

But for those with limited time Hall 5 hosted the balloon, costume and partyware manufacturers - all showing the new additions to their ranges.

FUNN’U’NEED’S­STAND

ANoTHER­AMSCAN­GIANT­FLoWER­

At Spring Fair 2011, Hall 5 was the one to visit!

THE­ToPIARy­WAS­A NEAT­FEATURE­oF THE­AMSCAN­STAND.

RATHER­LESS ELEGANT­WAS­THE GIANT­BUNCH­oF FoIL­BALLooNS!

THE­NEC CHARGES­FoR REMovING BALLooNS THAT­END­UP IN­THE RooFSPACE!­

LEFT:­FLoATING­HIGH­ABovE­A STAND­SPECIALISING­IN­CHRISTMAS DECoRATIoNS­WERE­THESE­TWo CLUSTERS­oF­MASSED­FoIL­STARS, EACH­USED­To­HoLD­UP­A­RoPE­oF LED­LIGHTS­­­-­THE­PHoToGRAPH DoES­NoT­Do­JUSTICE­To­A­GREAT PRoDUCT!

ABovE:­PIoNEER’S­CoLoURFUL­DECoR CoULD­BE­SEEN­FRoM­JUST­ABoUT ANyWHERE­IN­THE­HALL.­EyE-CATCHING DECoR!

SPRING­FAIR­2011­

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Leave an impression on your friends... ...not on your walls!

What a great slogan for a new product aimed at making short work of hanging balloons, decorations and party bunting without leaving a mark when removed.

Deceptively simple, these clever wall-friendly hangers took over three years to develop. Available in three

Dates for your diary...

WCE&BAC 2011California, USA 8-10 July ’11 www.wcebac.com

strengths, the hangers are packaged as: Balloon Hangers, Card & Banner Hangers and Decoration Hangers (which will hold the weight of Fairy Lights).

Go to: www.partygenies.com or call: 0800 007 5700 for additional information.

Qualatex EventHeythrop Park, Oxford, UK 5-7 November ’11 Three days of tuition with 20 instructors, and much more. www.thequalatexevent.com

NEWS and EVENTS

Ideally timed to capitalise on the trends created by C4’s ‘My Big, Fat Gypsy Wedding’, Saunders Displays have introduced a ‘Fairytale Carriage’ into their expanding range of balloon frames.

New Costumes from Pams of Gainsborough Pam’s of Gainsborough have announced more than 50 new additions to their range of Fancy Dress items, see www.pams.co.uk

WooDSToCK­HIPPIE G11220

PSyCHo­KILLER­NURSE G11222

How an online social life can help you grow your small business These­days­it­seems­almost­impossible­to turn­a­page­in­a­magazine­or­newspaper,­or hear­any­broadcaster­on­radio­or­tv­speak, without­coming­across­a­mention­of­the phenomenon­that­is­known­as­social­media.

The­question­that­I­most­often­get­asked­as a­communications­advisor­to­small businesses­is­an­understandable­one.­What does­social­media­have­to­do­with­growing your­business?

Perhaps­the­easiest­way­to­think­about­it­is as­an­extension­to­business­networking.

Most­NABAS­members,­as­owners­of­small businesses,­have­benefited­from­networking in­some­shape­or­form.­you­may­have attended­one­or­more­local­breakfast­or lunch­meetings­run­by­your­local­Chamber­of Commerce­or­FSB.­or­you­may­even­have joined­one­of­the­many­business­networking membership­organisations­such­as­BNI,­NRG or­a­BoB­club.

Those­of­you­who­have­embraced networking­for­your­business­wholeheartedly will­no­doubt­be­aware­of­the­potential rewards­that­this­highly­cost-effective­form­of marketing­can­bring.­Essentially,­by­creating good­business­relationships­with­fellow owners­of­small­businesses­you­can­help others,­who­will­in­return­help­you­to­find new­customers.­Word­of­mouth­referrals­and recommendations­are­known­to­be­the­single most­effective­way­for­any­business­to generate­leads.­Why?­Because­people­like­to buy­from­people­they­know,­like­and­trust­and­therefore­when­someone­vouches­for you,­you­have­already­made­a­giant­leap forward­in­the­selling­process.

However,­getting­out­and­about­to networking­events,­especially­for­a­small retail­business,­can­be­quite­a­big­ask.­And this­is­where­the­pay­off­comes­when transferring­the­notion­of­business networking­to­your­online­presence.­With­the

There­are­other­advantages­to­investing­time in­online­networking­too.­By­building­a reputable­presence­on­the­social­media­sites you­can­raise­your­profile­and­build credibility­for­yourself­as­someone­who knows­their­stuff.­This­following­can­be­highly profitable,­especially­when­it­takes­people through­to­your­own­business­website.­ In­this­article­I’m­going­to­take­a­brief­look­at four­of­the­main­social­networking­sites: Facebook,­Twitter,­LinkedIn­and­Ecademy.

However,­there­are­literally­hundreds­of­them out­there,­and­it­is­worth­browsing­the internet­to­look­for­networks­that­appeal­to you­and­that­might­benefit­your­particular business.

Many­of­you­will­no­doubt­already­be­familiar with­Facebook­and­perhaps­already­use­it­to keep­in­touch­with­friends­and­family,­sharing pictures,­games,­jokes,­ideas­and­the­rest.

But­did­you­know­that­it­can­also­be­a fantastic­tool­for­marketing­your­business?

Facebook­offers­two­great­opportunities­for businesses:­you­can­set­up­a­page­for­your business­that­people­can­‘like’­(in­other words,­subscribe­to).­This­page­then­gives you­the­opportunity­to­engage­in­online conversations­directly­with­your­customers.

Alternatively­you­can­start­an­interest­group and­invite­people­to­join­it.­Both­of­these­are quick­and­easy­to­do,­and­of­course­are free.

Then­there­is­Twitter,­the­microblogging­site that­has­grown­exponentially­since­it’s inception­in­2006.­Like­Facebook,­Twitter­is used­extensively­in­the­personal­arena,­but­it can­equally­become­a­powerful­business­tool when­used­correctly.­The­main­rule­to remember­in­your­140-character­posts (tweets)­is­to­avoid­‘selling’­directly.­Think about­using­Twitter­as­a­great­opportunity­to have­conversations­about­anything­and everything­that­interests­you­with­likeminded­folk.­you­can­use­Twitter’s­powerful search­tools­to­listen­in­on­other­people’s

conversations­and­join­in,­or­‘retweet’ interesting­material­that­you­come­across.­A very­rough­rule­of­thumb­might­be­to­tweet­a dozen­times­or­so­a­day,­with­perhaps­75% of­your­posts­being­related­to­your­business in­some­way,­with­the­rest­being­referring­to more­personal­interests­such­as­who’s winning­in­the­footie­or­what’s­happening­in your­favourite­television­programme.

While­there­are­literally­dozens­of­networks online­that­are­focused­specifically­on­the business­community,­I­would­like­to recommend­just­two­for­the­purposes­of­this article.­LinkedIn­is­well­worth­being­on­if­you have­any­kind­of­expertise­to­share. originally­created­as­a­recruiting­tool, LinkedIn­is­now­the­most­well­known­and biggest­of­the­business­networks.­The­idea with­LinkedIn­is­that­you­connect­with­people who­you­know,­who­are­then­potentially­in­a position­to­introduce­you­to­the­people­in their­network,­and­so­everyone’s­network widens.­LinkedIn­is­a­fantastic­place­to­go­for help­in­running­your­business­as­there­are many­experts­in­business­and­management there­who­are­building­their­reputation­using its­tools.

Finally,­there­is­Ecademy,­which­is­a­UK based­network­that­pre-dates­many­of­the bigger­American­sites­and­calls­itself­a “social­network­for­business­people”.

Founded­by­Penny­and­Thomas­Power­13 years­ago,­this­website­has­built­an incredible­community­for­small­businesses over­the­years.­If­you­don’t­have­your­own blog,­Ecademy­offers­a­highly­effective platform­and­because­of­its­maturity­and constant­updating­of­material­provides incredible­results­in­terms­of­being­found­in search­results­on­Google.­While­Ecademy­is not­free,­the­cost­of­joining­is­minimal­and excellent­value­for­money.

A­few­tips­for­becoming­a­good­online networker: 1.­your­profile­is­hugely­important­on­all­of these­websites.­I­personally­never­follow anyone­on­Twitter­who­doesn’t­tell­me­a­little about­themselves.­on­any­site­use­the opportunity­provided­to­tell­people­about yourself­as­well­as­your­business.­Remember, people­buy­people!

2.­For­the­same­reason­use­the­best­quality picture­of­yourself­that­you­possibly­can­on your­profile.­If­you­can­afford­it­it’s­worth going­to­a­professional­photographer­to­get some­profile­pictures­done.­They­will­stand you­in­good­stead­and­are­well­worth­the

investment.­If­the­budget­won’t­allow­for­this get­someone­to­take­a­head­and­shoulders shot­of­you­smiling­and­looking­friendly­and approachable.­Avoid­using­the­picture­of­you at­a­family­occasion­or­pulling­a­silly­face­remember­this­is­your­chance­to­make­a good­first­impression­on­those­you­will­be virtually­meeting.

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3.­on­Facebook­it’s­a­good­idea­to­keep your­personal­stuff­separate­from­your business-related­page­or­group.­of­course, this­depends­entirely­on­your­lifestyle,­but­if you­are­a­bit­of­a­party­animal­whose­friends like­to­post­amusing­(or­embarrassing!) pictures­of­you­on­FB,­then­be­warned­this may­work­against­you­when­you’re­trying­to build­an­online­business­reputation!

4.­on­any­social­media­platform­be­as helpful­as­you­can­be.­Giving­advice­and answering­people’s­questions­helps­to position­you­as­the­expert­and­the­‘go-to guy’­(or­‘go-to­gal’)­in­your­field,­which­will lead­to­building­a­following­that­in­turn­will lead­to­more­business.

5.­Think­before­you­post.­Be­positive, constructive­and­courteous.­Never­use­all capital­letters­as­it­gives­the­impression­that you­are­SHoUTING­AT­PEoPLE­and­sends them­running­in­the­opposite­direction!­Do your­best­not­to­get­involved­in­online arguments.­If­you­are­offended­by someone's­behaviour­just­unfriend,­unfollow or­ignore­them.­Remember­that­once­you’ve said­something­online­it­can­be­very­difficult to­unsay­it­and­it­is­easy­to­damage­your carefully­built­reputation­in­a­rash­moment.­ 6.­Be­consistent.­I­have­been­on­Twitter since­2007­but­it­is­only­in­the­last­few months­that­I’ve­grown­my­following­to­950.

This­is­as­a­result­of­‘tweeting’­on­a­daily basis­and­putting­some­effort­into­it.­As­with all­networking­for­business,­the­more­you­put in­the­greater­the­results­you­are­likely­to achieve.

7.­Have­fun.­you­may­be­engaging­in­social networking­in­order­to­attract­new­customers for­your­business,­but­remember­it­is­a­social activity­and­the­more­you­enjoy­it­the­more you­will­sustain­your­activity­and­the­more attractive­you­will­seem­to­others.

Sue­Richardson Follow­me­on­Twitter­@sooziesoo NABAS­on­Twitter­@BalloonAss NABAS­on­Facebook https://www.facebook.com/balloonassociation

A Guide to Social Media

various­websites­now­available,­it­has­never been­so­easy­to­create­good­relationships­in a­virtual­space­by­moving­not­an­inch­from your­own­personal­computer.­So­if­you cannot­find­time­even­for­the­odd­traditional networking­event,­online­networking­using social­media­can­become­a­great­way­to increase­your­exposure­to­potential customers.­you­can­meet­people­you­may never­have­come­across­‘in­the­flesh’­while at­the­same­time­creating­opportunities­to find­out­what­your­competitors­are­doing­and what­your­ideal­customers­want­and­need.

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3078 Jacquie Morton Petals or Pearls Cambridge CB23 1HE 01223 264100 3079 Maria Stevens Partybunnie Bridgend CF31 3NR 01656 655189 3080 Abigail Purdy Rings & Roses Banbridge, Co Down Northern Ireland BT32 4QX 028 4033 1570

3089 Kerlisha Allan Designs by the Allans London SE15 5JY 07943 324221

3099 Amie Hammond Bumbles Balloons Hemel Hempstead HP2 4ET 07984 758 291

3090 Gill Brennan Cookies Balloons Newcastle Under Lyme ST5 4JH 01782 638150

3100 Gemma Dawson All Out Blow Out Cleveland TS22 5BT 01642 424025

3081 Angela Griffiths Funky Floaters Wrexham N.Wales LL12 9US 01978 761989

3091 Rosemarie Tucker Flourishes Crowthorne RG45 6TF 07768 484832

3101 Lisa Whiting Bespoke Balloons Mortimer, Berkshire RG7 3SR 07809 630 802

3082 Anthony Davies Sean Anthony Davies Llandaff Wales – South CF5 2QL 02920 304259

3092 Maudette Uzoh KesMa Events Chafford Hundred RM16 6NP 01375 651096

3102 Donna Keanan Crystal Chair Covers Grimsby DN31 1JN 01472 240691

3093 Keeley Clayton The Party-People Wisbech PE14 7DS 01945 466082

3103 Michael Livermore Ballons2YourDoor.co.uk Newton Aycliffe DL5 4QL 01325 317 898

3094 Laraine Blything Big Day Liverpool L11 4RT 07872 967227

3104 Kevin Proctor Gladraggz Ltd Manchester M9 8PX 0161 884 0534

3085 Emma Hamer Butterfly Balloon Company Barnsley S70 5UH 01226 360007

3095 Michelle Tooze Cakes 'n' Things & Balloons On Strings Birmingham B24 9AJ 0121 350 4763

3105 Phil Heard Promotional Solutions (Jersey) Ltd St Helier JE2 3NE 01534 766845

3086 Claire Lowndes Amour Occasions Stoke on Trent ST4 4HB 07964 014676

3096 Michelle Ord-Copeland Enjoy-Your-Day-Your-Way Durham DH7 7JG 0191 373 2050

3087 Kerry Pointing Buy Back Time Mansfield NG18 1RR 01623 623004

3097 Sharon Murray Pop The Balloon Cambridge CB1 9LU 07546 485149

3088 Glenys Settle Balloons & Bubbles Walton on the Naze, Essex CO14 8HH 07709 635288

3098 Sharon Trim Balloon Lagoon Stoke Newington London N16 5SA 020 8442 8552

3083 Karen Whitlam Balloon Heaven Worksop S80 3QE 07800 964203 / 07712 497616 3084 Lip Wai Siong Beauty Balloon snd bhd MALAYSIA +6055458899

NEW MEMBERS

NABAS­NEW­MEMBERS

3106 Patricia Guest Trisha's Balloons Chigwell IG7 4NB 020 8500 6518 3107 John McClelland Party People Alloa, Scotland FK10 1DP 07594 220 647

The Balloon Association

NABAS­APPRovED TEACHERS/TRAINERS

Janie Bacon

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Just Janie Promotions Tel: 0141 883 4259 Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2 Area Covered: Scotland

Paul Pearce CBA & Pam Pearce CBA

Yvonne Baynes

Balloon School of Balloons & Tunes Tel: 01827 316600 www.balloonschool.co.uk us2@balloonsandtunes.co.uk Courses provided: NABAS Level 1; Update Level 1 1/2; NABAS Level 2; Assorted workshops & training days

Lodge Cordell Balloonery Tel: 01986 894482 yvonb@tiscali.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Area Covered: East Anglia

Area Covered: Midlands

Rita Kyriacou CBA Balloon Training Ireland Tel: 028 4063 2081 www.weddingandpartysupplies.com sales@weddingandpartysupplies.com Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Wedding Workshops 1 & 2; Masterclass Workshops: Christmas & New Year, Valentine, Halloween Area Covered: Northern & Republic of Ireland

Jo Uddin Balloon Training Academy by Inflated Ideas Tel: 07904 178024 www.inflatedideas.co.uk jo@inflatedideas.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2;

Marguerite's Academy of Balloon Artistry Tel: 01279 639508 www.marguerites-academy.co.uk ritakyriacou@btinternet.com Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; WeddingWorkshops Area Covered: Hertfordshire, Essex & the S. East

Mitch Gilbert CBA Rainbow Balloons Tel: 01625 585910 www.rainbowballoons.me.uk info@rainbowballoons.me.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Advanced level; 260’s Course; Balloon Drops

Area Covered: Hertfordshire & throughout UK

Area Covered: Cheshire, North West England & North Wales

Mary Paul

Philomena Groome CBA

Dreemway Tel: 0161 861 8807 www.dreemway.co.uk sales@dreemway.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2;

School House of Balloons Tel: 07956 226824 www.fantazia-decorations.co.uk info@fantazia-decorations.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Exploding Balloons; Wedding Workshop

Area Covered: Manchester

John Lee CBA & Jane Lee International Balloon Academy Tel: 01908 605960 / 07852 204706 www.international-balloon-academy.co.uk iba@bloonoccasions.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Basics & Beyond; Beyond the Basics; Varied range of Master Classes Area Covered: Milton Keynes and beyond

Area Covered: Yorkshire & throughout UK

Mary George SG Party Supplies Ltd Tel: 01709 820852 www.wholesale-partysupplies.co.uk sgpartysupplies@yahoo.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Area Covered: Yorkshire and the North East

APPROVED TRAINERS

Ada Elliott CBA

WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS & PRINTERS

14

B-LOONY LTD Buck­House­Sunnyside­Road­­Chesham­­Bucks­­­HP5­2AR 01494­774­376­­­Fax:­01494­791268­­­­­ Email:­balloons@b-loony.co.uk­ www.b-loony.com

PREMIUM BALLOON ACCESSORIES Po­Box­352­Sharon­Centre ohio­44274,­­­USA Tel:­00­1­330­239­4547­­­­­­­­­­ Email:­info@coolaire.com www.premiumballoon.com

BALANCEBEST LTD 118­Wheldon­Road­­Castleford­­W­yorks­­­WF10­2RT­­­­­­­­­ READY2GO LTD T/A PARTY GENIES 8B­Daimler­Close­­Royal­oak­Industrial 01977­510­898­­Fax:­01977­514678 Est­Daventry­­­NN11­8QJ­­­­­­­­­­01327­308755 Email:­sales@balancebest.co.uk­­­­­www.balancebest.co.uk sales@ready2gocreate.com www.ready2gocreate.com BALLOON CITY Unit­7­Spillmans­Court­­Middle­Spillmans­­Rodborough Stroud­GL5­3RU­­­­­­­­­­­01453­753149­or­07974­941105­­­ Email:­mike@balloon-printing.com­­­­­­­www.balloon-printing.com BALLOON SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION LTD 119B­Walton­Road­­E­Molesey Surrey­­KT8­0DT­­­­­­020­8941­6111­­­­­­Fax:­020­8941­9633 Email:­sales@balloonsupply.co.uk­­­­­­­www.balloonsupply.co.uk BALLOON WORLD Unit­E­Parkside­Business­Park­­Kirkstead­Way­­Golborne WA3­3Py­­­­­­­­01942­719888­­­­­Fax:­01942­719988 Email:­sales@balloonworld.co.uk­­­­­www.balloonworld.co.uk BALLOONS & GAS DIRECT Unit­6­­8­Meadow­Road­­Glasgow­­G11­6HX 0141­337­3373­­­­­Fax:­0141­337­3374 norman@balloonsandgasdirect.co.uk­­­­­www.balloonsandgasdirect.co.uk BALLOONS AROUND SCOTLAND 100­Carnegie­Road­­ Hillington­Ind­Est­­Glasgow­­G52­4JZ­­­­­­­­0141­882­8107­­ ­Fax:­0141­882­9925­­­­­­­sales@balloonsaroundscotland.com BALLOONS TO GO 160­Eardley­Road­­Streatham­­London­­­­SW16­5TG 020­8679­7766­­­­­Fax:­020­8679­8889 sales@balloonstogo.co.uk­­­­­­www.balloonstogo.co.uk BELBAL UK Broadgate­House­Church­Street­Deeping­St­James­P’borough Lincs­­PE6­8HD­­­­­­01778­343­445­­­­­­Fax:­01778­347­230­­­­­­­­­­ Email:­darren@belbaluk.co.uk­­­­­­­­www.belbaluk.co.uk

SAUNDERS DISPLAYS UK LTD Unit­10­Buzzard­Creek­Industrial­Estate­ River­Road­­Barking­­Essex­­IG11­0EL­­ 020­8594­7221 Email:­mark@saundersdisplays.co.uk­­ Fax:­020­8594­7216 www.balloonframesbysaunders.co.uk SG PARTY SUPPLIES LTD­­­­Unit­3­The­Ickles­­Sheffield­Rd­­Rotherham­­­­ S60­1DP 01709­820852­­­­­­­­­Fax:­01709­830955 sgpartysupplies@yahoo.co.uk www.wholesale-partysupplies.co.uk TALKING BALLOONS Turnoaks­Business­Park­­Chesterfield­­­S40­2WB 01246­270555­­­­­­­­­Fax:­01246­270566 Email:­sales@talkingballoons.com­­­­­­­­­­www.talkingballoons.com theballoonshop.co.uk Compound­1­­The­Enterprise­Centre­­Mill­Lane Coppull­­Chorley­­Lancs­­­PR7­5BW­­­­­­­­­ 01257­795700­­­­­Fax:­­01257­795150­­­­­­­­ Email:­sales@theballoonshop.co.uk­­www.theballoonshop.co.uk VIBORG BALLOONS Gortlervej­7-9­­­­DK8800­­­­viborg­­­­DENMARK Tel:­­00­45­866­21200­­­­­­­­­ Email:­bini@viborg-ballon.dk www.viborg-ballon.dk WEDDING & PARTY SUPPLIES Rathdale­House­­30­Back­Rd­Rathfriland Northern­Ireland­BT34­5QF­­­­­028­4063­2081­­­­­Fax:­028­4063­2083 Email:­info@weddingandpartysupplies.com www.weddingandpartysupplies.com

BOC LTD The­Priestley­Centre­­10­Priestley­Rd­­The­Surrey­Research­Park Guildford­­Surrey­­­­­GU2­7Xy­­­­­­­­­­­01483­244035 megan.wildermoth@boc.com­­­­­­­­­­www.bocballoongas.co.uk

WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS Beim­Herrenhaus­1­­A-3291­Keinberg­bei Gaming­­­AUSTRIA­­­­Tel:­00­43­7485­606­272­­ Fax:­00­43­7485­606­694 Email:­timo.snoeren@wthg.at www.worthingtoncylinders.com­­­­­­­­www.balloontime.com

DREEMWAY LTD 50­Stockton­Road,­Chorlton­­Manchester­­­­­M21­9ED 0161­861­8807­­­­­­­Fax:­0161­881­9289 Email:­sales@dreemway.co.uk­­­­­­­­­­www.dreemway.co.uk

ZIBI PRODUKTE GMBH Kalkdarren­­15­­D-79713­Bad­Sackingen GERMANy Tel:­­00­49­776­192­4010­­­­­­­­­­ Email:­eu@zibi.de­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­www.zibi.de

FOLKDEAN LTD Unit­2­Lydney­Harbour­Estate­­Lydney­­Glos­­GL15­4EJ 01594­841545­­­­­­­­­Fax:­01594­844577 Email:­sales@folkdean.co.uk­­­­­­­­­­www.folkdean.co.uk HOUSE PARTI 20­Mandervell­Road­­oadby­Industrial­Estate­­oadby Leicestershire­­­LE12­5LQ­­­­­0116­271­0100­­­­­Fax:­0116­271­0300 sales@houseparti.com www.houseparti.com OAKTREE UK LTD 66­James­Carter­Road­Industrial­Estate­­Mildenhall Suffolk­­­­­IP28­7DE­­­­­­­­­­01638­711­522­­­­­­­­Fax:­01638­711211 Email:­sales@oaktreeuk.com­ www.oaktreeuk.com PAMS OF GAINSBOROUGH Unit­30­­Corringham­Road­­Industrial­­Estate DN21­1QB­­­­­­­­­­0845­230­6763­­­­­­­­­­Fax:­01427­810174 Email:­sales@pams.co.uk­­­­­­­­­­www.pams.co.uk PARTY PLUS 16­Canham­Road­­Acton­­London­­­W3­7SR 020­8811­2898­­­­­­­Fax:­020­8987­8404 Email:­steve@partywholesale.co.uk­­­­­­­­­­www.partyplus.co.uk

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Please note that inclusions of any inserts/adverts within Balloonies are paid-for advertisements and therefore members should not consider this action as an endorsement by NABAS of the products or services.

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www.fantazia-decorations.co.uk a-d -ddec co.uk o k info foo fantazia-decorations.co.uk f Philomena Groome NABAS Approved Tutor Tutor

Thank you to all the NABAS members who visited our stand during Spring Fair, it was nice to put faces to names.

We hope you were impressed with the latest addition to the 4M range - the Princess/Cinderella carriage.

The Balloon Association